Favorite topics

Meal & Rest Breaks

In compliance with Illinois State Law, all staff (non-exempt) employees who work seven and a half hours in a day must take an unpaid meal break of at least 20 minutes. This unpaid break is mandatory and generally cannot be combined with other breaks and cannot be taken at the end of the day in order to leave early. Additionally, "working through lunch" or otherwise skipping this break is not allowed.

While not required by law, rest breaks of no more than 15 minutes are allowed and are to be taken at the time designated by the supervisor. During extremely busy times, a break may not be possible. Rest breaks cannot be used at the end of the day as a means of ending the employee's work day early. Splitting breaks or changing the timing of breaks may be allowed with supervisory approval.